Football update: Stoke City beat Newcastle United 2-1
Stoke City turned it around in the 2nd half and won 2-1 against Newcastle at St. James Park in English Premier League. It was redemption for the German defender Robert Huth, as he was the one who conceded the needless penalty in the first half
that got Newcastle the lead. The tall defender was involved in both goals in the 2nd half and got his team the win.
In the first half Stoke just did not turn up, the away side were looking content with sitting back and going away with a point. Newcastle had been making all the running and to the home side and their fan’s frustration the killer ball was just not there.
Following number of slick moves, Newcastle could not get a finishing touch on it and score a goal.
Ironically the goal came when Andy Carroll made his way in the box and once again had failed to make a good final pass, when Robert Huth needlessly brought him down. Kevin Nolan stepped up and gave his side the lead just before the break. It was clear that
Stoke would have to come out and play in the 2nd period.
The away side did exactly what was expected of them, and actually put Newcastle on the back-foot soon after the break.
There were no changes by either side at the break. It was looking like a matter of time before Rory Delap came off the bench for the visitors.
Newcastle did have had most of the possession but did not make much of it.
Just five minutes after the restart Stoke made a substitution, it was not Rory Delap but Ricardo Fuller was on for Diao.
It had started to look better for Stoke, who at last came forward with some intent. Matty Etherington ran at the defence and Jon Walters was involved too. They got a corner - their second in the space of three minutes - so things were looking up.
Then came Stoke's best chance of the game, the corner came over to Ryan Shawcross, who got plenty of power behind his header but could not find the target. He held his head in his hands because he knew he should have done a lot better.
Rory Delap, who had been limbering up on the touchline for few minutes, finally came on the field. He replaced Glenn Whelan.
There was a bit of a delay at St James' Park, while Ricardo Fuller got treated for his injury. He fell awkwardly on the ground, and seemed to suffering quite some pain.
But the pain did not cease and Ricardo Fuller was in real trouble. He could not carry on and was replaced by Eidur Gudjohnsen after being helped off the pitch. The substitute was substituted.
And finally after the restart the pressure from Stoke paid off, Newcastle couldn’t say they weren't warned. After hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession, Kenwyne Jones levelled for Stoke with a header from point-blank range. An inviting free-kick
by Matty Etherington was headed back across goal by Robert Huth, and Jones was unmarked and in the right place to knock it over the line.
Newcastle responded quickly. Andy Carroll met a cross from the left with a fierce volley from the edge of the area. Thomas Sorensen could only parry it but recovered to collect the ball as Kevin Nolan slid in for the rebound.
That Stoke equaliser set up the game nicely for a rip-roaring finale. There were 20 minutes left at St James' Park, which was more than enough time for one of the teams to go on and win it.
Newcastle appeared to be going for it. Shola Ameobi, who scored twice at Stamford Bridge in midweek, was on for Cheik Tiote. That change by Newcastle seemed to have worked. They were on top for next few minutes, and James Perch had just had a rasping long-range
shot saved by Thomas Sorensen.
Stoke had upped the ante too, but Newcastle still appeared more dangerous. Their next attack saw Potters keeper Thomas Sorensen do just enough to put off Andy Carroll, as they fought to reach a Shola Ameobi cross - the home side were taking a leaf out of
the visitors' book by pumping early balls into the Stoke box.
Stoke City, however, made use of the home side surging forward and had number of good breaks. Stoke earned a corner and there was agony for Newcastle and James Perch. Ecstasy boozed out for Stoke as their pressure paid off. Matty Etherington bent in a corner
and Perch, who was trying to reach the ball before Robert Huth at the near post, only succeeded in finding his own net with a bullet header.
For a match that was dominated by Newcastle in the first half, it was perhaps a blessing in disguise for Stoke who were made to come out and play in the 2nd half after conceding from the spot.
There were 6 added minutes, which were met by nervous cheers by the home fans; Newcastle threw everything at Stoke but could not find the equaliser and Potters went home in the end with well-earned 3 points.
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